IA Internal Pouch

Home
United Kingdom
Rochford
IA Internal Pouch

Welcome to the IA Internal Pouch page, for current pouchies and those considering internal pouch surgery.

If you want to join our closed FB group for deeper discussions, come on over to IA Pouch Pals - https://www.facebook.com/groups/180259070327990 IA - Ileostomy and Internal Pouch Association, is a national charity providing mutual support which has the primary aim of helping people who have had their colon removed. It was started in 1956 by a group of people who had ileostomies themselves, together with some members of the medical profession. It was the first ostomy association in the United Kingdom and is a registered national charity (no. 234472). For a full history of the association visit www.iasupport.org

Certain inflammatory bowel diseases, e.g. Ulcerative Colitis and Crohn's disease, sometimes cause such considerable damage to a person's large intestine (colon) that it becomes necessary for a surgeon to remove it entirely. With a Brooke ileostomy, the lower end of the small intestine (ileum) is brought out through the abdominal wall, and the body's waste matter is collected in an externally attached bag. Alternatively, a patient who has Ulcerative Colitis may be able to choose to have an internal pouch, which involves the construction of a reservoir from a section of the ileum, after removal of the affected colon. Someone who has a pouch does not need to wear an external ileostomy appliance (bag). The Internal Pouch division of IA is chaired by the Pouch Group co-ordinator who serves on the association's Board to represent the interests of members with an internal pouch. It is the responsibility of this person to identify the needs of those members and ensure that IA is meeting those needs.

13/09/2025

Pouch Information Day is just one week away.

This is your opportunity to learn more about living with an internal pouch, connect with others, and hear from experts in their field.

Whether you’re considering surgery, have recently had surgery, or have been living with an internal pouch for years, this event is designed for you.

Don’t miss out!

Click here to register and secure your place: >> https://bit.ly/41vSHWC

12/09/2025

How do you manage food and diet with your internal pouch?

There’s no “one-size-fits-all” diet rulebook, but some gentle adjustments may help, especially after surgery.

Top Tip: Keep a food diary.

Take note of what you eat and how your body reacts. Over time, you might notice patterns that help you to feel more confident about the foods you choose to eat.

If you love a particular food, but your internal pouch isn’t coping, don’t despair. Over time, your internal pouch can become more tolerant, so it’s worth giving it another go at a future date.

Your journey is unique, and it’s all about finding what works for you.

If you would like more support, please request to join our Facebook Group. It’s an online space where those who have an interest in internal pouches can come together for support.

You can find it here: facebook.com/groups/iapouchpals

10/09/2025

As we get ready for Internal Pouch Awareness Month (IPAM), we want to hear from you!

How did you feel about telling others you had an internal pouch? Were you fine with it, a little nervous, or maybe a mixture of both?

Help us raise awareness and inspire others by sending us a 30-second video that we can share on our socials.

Here’s what to include:
Your name.
The type of internal pouch you have.
How long have you had it?
How did you feel about telling others?
How they reacted.

Please confirm that you are happy for us to use your video on our social media platforms. Thank you. Your voice matters.

Comment below to learn more.

05/09/2025

Today is International Day of Charity!

At IA, we believe that living with an ileostomy or internal pouch doesn’t have to be a barrier to enjoying life. Every day, we work to provide support, resources, and a sense of community to those who are considering or have an ileostomy or internal pouch.

But we can’t do it alone. Your generosity and support make all the difference.

Here’s how you can help today:
💙 Donate: Your contributions help us fund vital services, from peer support to educational resources.
💙 Volunteer: Join our team and make a direct impact on other people’s lives.
💙 Tell others about us: Spread the word about IA and the support we offer. Tag us on social media or share in person.

Thank you.

04/09/2025

Our online Zoom sessions were well attended this week. Thank you to everyone who came.

If you would like to learn more about our volunteering roles, please send us a message and one of the team will be in touch.

We will host more online sessions, so keep an eye on our socials for more dates!

02/09/2025

We are delighted to confirm the following speakers for Pouch Information Day, which will take place on Saturday, 20th September:

- Richard Lovegrove, Consultant Colorectal & IBD Surgeon, Worcester
- Abi Patel, Consultant Colorectal & IBD Surgeon, Coventry
- Sophie Turigel, Surgical & Nutritional Support Senior Dietitian, Birmingham
- Carrie Helman & Aileen MacArthur, Counsellors, IA's Support Through Therapy
- Anita Sangera or Gabby Szozda, Advanced Pharmacists, Birmingham
- Pouch Owners – Experts by experience from the Internal Pouch Subcommittee

The morning will feature formal presentations from our speakers, while the afternoon will be more informal. Attendees can look forward to interactive ‘stations’ hosted by experts, allowing for small-group discussions and personalised Q&A.

Don’t miss this fantastic opportunity to ask questions, speak openly with your peers, and learn from the professionals.

Please note that a £10 deposit is required, which will be refunded subject to the terms outlined on our website.

The day is open to anyone with an internal pouch, those considering one, or carers supporting someone with an internal pouch.

Please visit our website to learn more and reserve your place: https://pouch.iasupport.org/pouchday25

29/08/2025

You never know when someone might read what you have just shared.

Every comment you leave and every word of encouragement you share matters more than you know.

Thank you for taking the time to comment, share and support. You make this community the incredible place it is. 💙

28/08/2025

As we approach our incredible 70th anniversary in 2026, we want to celebrate you, because you are what makes our community special.

We are creating a Memory Tree that will be displayed at next year’s Information Day, and we would love to feature your heartfelt words about what IA means to you.

Could you tell us what IA means to you?

Is it:
🌟 A source of support when you needed it most?
🌟 Friendships that have changed your life?
🌟 Understanding from people who truly get it?
🌟 Something completely different?

Here's how you can get involved: Send us a short sentence (around 20 words) to info@iasupport.org or DM us via our socials.

Your words will be featured anonymously on our Memory Tree, although, if possible, we would love to include your group name.

Please know that every reflection matters and every experience counts.

Help us to celebrate 70 years of support, friendship, and understanding. 💙

23/08/2025

As we relaunch our East of Scotland IA group, now is a great time to get involved!

We’re looking for someone who can help us connect with our members through social media platforms.

We have some exciting plans for the area, and you could help us communicate them to existing and potential members through our digital channels.

To find out more, why not register your details at
iasupport.org/get-involved/volunteering

21/08/2025

Pouch Information Day takes place on Saturday, 20th September at the Novotel, Broad Street, Birmingham.

The day is a chance to meet with others in person who may have an internal pouch or are interested in learning more about life with an internal pouch.

Join us in an informal setting and ask your questions to surgeons and nurses who will be on hand to help. Also available on the day will be a dietitian, a psychologist, and a pharmacist.

Find out more and book your place here: pouch.iasupport.org/pouchday25

19/08/2025

Are you curious to learn more about our volunteering roles?

If yes, then please join us online on Tuesday 2nd September at 12:30 pm for our ‘Introduction to Volunteering with IA’ for general information about how you can get involved.

If you would like to join us, please email volunteering@iasupport.org.

18/08/2025

Join us online for our next volunteer network meeting on Monday 1st September, at 7 pm.

These informal sessions are a great opportunity to connect with others, share information and learn general updates.

To register your interest, please email volunteering@iasupport.org.

Address

IA National Office, Danehurst Court, 35-37 West Street
Rochford
SS41BE

Website

http://pouch.iasupport.org/

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when IA Internal Pouch posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Practice

Send a message to IA Internal Pouch:

Want your practice to be the top-listed Clinic in Rochford?

Our Story

IA is a UK registered charity whose primary aim is to help people who have to undergo surgery for the creation of either an ileostomy or an ileoanal pouch.

It was started in 1956 by a group of people who had ileostomies themselves, together with some members of the medical profession. It was the first ostomy association in the United Kingdom and it is a registered charity: 1172338 (England and Wales) and SC048658 (Scotland). For a full history of the association click here.

Certain inflammatory bowel diseases, e.g. ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease, sometimes cause such considerable damage to a person's large intestine (colon) that it becomes necessary for a surgeon to remove it entirely.

With a Brooke ileostomy, the lower end of the small intestine (ileum) is brought out through the abdominal wall, and the body's waste matter is collected in an externally attached bag.